History of the 1968-1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass

Following up on the somewhat quirky 1968 styling, Cutlass designers developed a frontal appearance for '69 that would, with annual variation, mark the popular Cutlass through 1972. Revamped body panels and new rooflines followed in 1970.

While most 1968-72 Cutlass buyers chose the V-8 series’ standard 350-cid engine, a very limited number selected the inline six, offered through 1971.

During 1968-71, the 4-4-2 was a separate performance series. Oldsmobile spurred interest in Cutlass performance with niche offerings such as the 1970-71 SX, powered by a 455 V-8, and the 1970 Rallye, with a 325-hp 350 V8 under the hood. In 1972, the 4-4-2 became a Cutlass handling/appearance package, available with any offered V-8.

These cars are typically excellent performers that demonstrate the qualities and engineering that would drive Oldsmobile to third place in the industry by 1972. Sharing many parts with highly collectible 4-4-2 models, the 1968-72 Cutlasses are well served by reproduction parts vendors.